Know the material and pile
Vacuum carpets for their pile and fibre, and blot fresh spills. Compare care limits for deep pile, wool, viscose, jute and sisal.
Rugs vary greatly: short pile and long pile, woven or tufted, made of wool, cotton, jute, sisal, viscose or synthetic fibres. A shaggy rug needs different treatment from a flat cotton runner, and natural fibres such as sisal or viscose are sensitive to water.
Look for the label on the back or the manufacturer's notes. They say whether the rug may be vacuumed, brushed, wiped or even washed. Without any instructions, always choose the driest and gentlest method.
Carpet care by pile and fibre
Regular vacuuming is the most important care. Vacuum rugs once or twice a week depending on use, more often in the entrance area. Slow strokes with a slight overlap pick up more dirt than quick back-and-forth movements.
Adjust the attachment: a brush head suits short pile, while long pile, wool and delicate rugs need a smooth head without a rotating brush or a lower suction setting. Do not suck in fringes; move the nozzle over them away from the rug.
- Vacuum once or twice a week
- Slow, overlapping strokes
- Match the head to the pile
- Do not suck in fringes
| Situation | Appropriate action |
|---|---|
| Short pile | Slow overlapping passes; use a brush function only as the rug care instructions allow. |
| Deep pile, wool and fringes | Suitable smooth nozzle and reduced suction; keep fringes and loose threads clear. |
| Viscose, jute or sisal | Follow dry-care instructions; blot spills without adding water. |
Further reading
Blot stains instead of rubbing
Act quickly with fresh stains. Lift solids with a spoon and blot liquids from the outside inwards with a light-coloured, absorbent cloth. Do not rub, or the stain will go deeper and the fibres will roughen.
On water-tolerant rugs, you can then dab with a little lukewarm water and a drop of mild washing-up liquid, followed by clean water and a dry cloth. Test every product first on a hidden spot and do not mix stain removers.
Further reading
Protecting delicate materials
Wool, silk, viscose, jute and sisal can be moisture-sensitive. Do not add water or cleaner without explicit approval. Blot fresh liquid dry and ask the maker or a carpet specialist about further stain treatment.
Avoid bleach, solvents and strong cleaners on all rugs unless the manufacturer explicitly allows them. Do not put furniture on a rug that is still damp, as wood or metal can stain it.
The rug and the floor beneath
Turn rugs every few months so that they wear evenly and do not fade on one side. A non-slip underlay protects the floor below and prevents tripping. Take the opportunity to vacuum or wipe the floor under the rug too, as fine dust collects there.
Small runners can be shaken out outdoors or on the balcony, as far as the house rules allow and nobody below is disturbed. Washable runners only go in the machine as the label permits.
- Turn rugs regularly
- Use a non-slip underlay
- Clean the floor beneath
- Wash runners only as the label allows
Limits of everyday care
Thorough wet or deep cleaning, old dried-in stains, water damage, smells that will not go away, or valuable rugs are jobs for a specialist rug cleaner. Experimenting with household products can do more harm than good here.
With PUTZIO you can book regular apartment cleaning in the supported municipalities around Zurich and Rapperswil-Jona for CHF 40 per hour. Rugs are vacuumed as part of normal cleaning. PUTZIO does not offer specialist rug cleaning, shampooing or deep cleaning.
Further reading